November 10, 2026 Tags: double chin, jawline definition, Kybella, Nashville plastic surgery, non-surgical treatments, submental fullness
Submental fullness, more commonly known as a double chin, is one of the most stubborn cosmetic concerns patients deal with, largely because it often has little to do with weight or fitness. Genetics play a significant role in where fat is stored under the chin, which is why even lean, active patients can be bothered by fullness in this area that simply won’t budge with diet or exercise. Kybella offers a non-surgical way to treat it directly.
Kybella, the brand name for injectable deoxycholic acid, was approved by the FDA in 2015 as the first injectable treatment specifically indicated for moderate to severe fat below the chin. You can review its approval history here.
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down dietary fat. When injected into the submental area, it disrupts the membrane of fat cells, destroying them so they can no longer store fat. Because the treated fat cells are eliminated rather than simply shrunk, the results are considered permanent once the treatment series is complete.
Full details on the treatment are available on the Kybella procedure page.
Kybella is best suited for patients with mild to moderate submental fat and good skin elasticity, since the treatment addresses fat volume rather than loose or sagging skin. Patients with significant skin laxity under the chin, often due to aging or major weight loss, are typically better candidates for a surgical option like neck liposuction or a lower facelift, which can also tighten the skin itself. A consultation is the best way to determine which approach, or combination of approaches, will give you the result you’re after.
To see how Kybella compares to other chin and jawline treatments, visit the medical aesthetics and laser treatments page.
Kybella is administered as a series of small injections directly into the submental fat, typically spaced at least a month apart. Most patients need two to four treatment sessions to see their full result, though this varies based on the amount of fat present and individual goals. Swelling is the most common side effect, often more noticeable than patients expect for the first several days, along with some numbness or firmness that resolves over the following weeks. There is no real downtime, making it an easy treatment to fit into a busy schedule.
For patients who’ve been bothered by chin fullness that photos never seem to hide, Kybella offers a straightforward, non-surgical path to a sharper profile.
To find out whether Kybella is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. J. J. Wendel in Nashville at our contact page.
